Tea prices decline at Kochi auctions amid quality drop

Kochi tea auctions witnessed subdued buying both for dust and leaf grades reportedly due to a drop in brew quality.

Traders said rain in the high ranges last week affected the quality of the tea arriving at the auction platform in sale 37, leading to a lower purchase from buyers. However, traders expressed hope that tea quality would improve shortly thanks to the prevailing conducive weather in the production centres.

The quantity offered in CTC dust was 4,82,186 kg with the market for good liquoring teas was barely steady to firm and sometimes dearer. Medium teas were irregular and sometimes dearer following quality. All blenders together accounted for the absorption of 61 per cent of the total CTC teas sold.

Whole leaf prices up

The demand for orthodox dust was fair, witnessing irregular and lower market. The quantity offered was 11,000 kg with upcountry buyers and exporters absorbing small quantity of orthodox dust sold.

In the leaf category, whole leaf witnessed strong feature and appreciated in value, while brokens was firm to dearer. The offered quantity was 1,64,069 kg, with CIS and Middle East buyers lent useful support.

In CTC leaf, the market for good brokens was irregular and lower with an offered quantity of 22,000 kg. Kerala and upcountry buyers lent fair support. 

Published on September 15, 2025